Rhode Island ranks first in the country in electronic prescribing, according to pharmacy groups, United Press International reports.
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores, the National Community Pharmacists Association and the SureScripts Electronic Prescribing Network on Monday awarded the first annual SafeRx awards to the 10 states that send the highest percentage of prescriptions electronically.
"Rhode Island's leadership provides further evidence that e-prescribing has the potential for transforming health care, making it safer, more efficient and more cost effective," said CMS Administrator Mark McClellan (Pierce, United Press International, 5/8).
E-prescribing can help prevent potential drug complications and save money by reducing adverse drug effects and increasing generic drug use, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Dr. Margaret Dowling, a Michigan physician singled out by the pharmacy groups for her e-prescribing use, said the technology is "safer for the patient and saves the patient money."
The following are the top 10 e-prescribing states:
1. Rhode Island;
2. Nevada;
3. Massachusetts;
4. Maryland;
5. Florida;
6. Delaware;
7. Virginia;
8. North Carolina;
9. Ohio; and
10. Michigan (Merx, Detroit Free Press, 5/9).